Jayasuriya calls for persistence with young team

Sanath Jayasuriya, the former Sri Lanka captain, has said Sri Lanka need to maintain faith in their young side and new captain despite the team's recent rough patch. Since reaching the final of the 2011 World Cup, Sri Lanka have lost one-day and Test series in England, at home to Australia and against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. Jayasuriya admitted results had been disappointing but said Sri Lanka were in transition since they have a new captain in Tillakaratne Dilshan, a new coach in Geoff Marsh and several young players in the squad.

"It's a bit disappointing to lose both the series," Jayasuriya said after the losses in the UAE. "It would have been ideal had we won at least one series. However, Sri Lanka are playing a number of youngsters so you need to give them some time. You can't keep changing the side. There are quite a few senior players and when they retire you need players who are already groomed to replace them.

"These are hard times for Sri Lankan cricket but we have talented players; the only thing they need is time, and we need to put faith in them and give them confidence."

Dilshan, who took over as captain from Kumar Sangakkara after the World Cup, has struggled to reproduce the form he showed in that tournament. Since the World Cup, he has averaged 17.43 with the bat in 16 ODIs, while in Tests he has averaged 24.81 over the previous two series. Jayasuriya backed Dilshan to come good and said he needed to be persisted with as captain.

"He [Dilshan] is a great player and we all have seen what he can do, but unfortunately he is going through a lean patch, so we need to have faith in him. He has just got the job and anybody who takes the captaincy needs time."

Since the retirement of Muttiah Muralitharan last year, Sri Lanka have had an inexperienced bowling attack, but it was the batting that let them down in the UAE. Jayasuriya said the batsmen were not aggressive enough in the Test series and lamented the fact that none of the batsmen lent support to Sangakkara, who waged a lone battle, scoring 516 runs in the Tests. Sri Lanka's second-highest run-getter in the series was Tharanga Paranavitana with 195 runs.

"In the Tests, there were times when we did not look for runs and got bogged down," Jayasuriya said. "You need to have a decent run-rate to win a Test. The only batsman in form was Kumar Sangakkara but you need three or four batsmen to be among the runs. I didn't see others chipping in with runs and that's what Sri Lanka lacked."

Sri Lankan cricket has been in a serious financial crisis since spending a total of five billion rupees ($46 million) on stadiums for the World Cup. As a result the players have not been paid their salaries in the last six months, but Jayasuriya said that was not something that would affect their on-field performances.

"The previous board made a lot of mistakes and are responsible for this mess, and then the earlier interim committee made things worse. It is disappointing [not to be paid]. But when you play for your country you forget everything and that is what the players are doing. I am happy that they have not spoken about that."

Upali Dharmadasa, the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket's interim committee, had said he was hopeful the players would be paid after the series in the UAE since SLC were expecting to receive the remaining payments of around US$ 4.3 million from the ICC for hosting the 2011 World Cup shortly.

Sri Lanka will play a one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on November 25 and then go to South Africa in early December to play three Tests and five ODIs.

I think this is just a tough time for Lankan lions they will bounce back soon

Ahsan_Shere
on November 27, 2011, 9:53 GMT

SJ is a legend & he reserves the right to say whatever he thinks about the situation of SL Cricket & thats what he is paid for as a commentator. But for me it is too much of a chance which has been given to Dilshan since he is given charge & to add miseries to his unfortunate fate SA are ready to prey. Srilanka had to play against world class teams after

zerotollerance
on November 27, 2011, 7:27 GMT

Sl team in disarray not because of politicians as some say but due to no care attitudes of the players hem selves. Sanga is just a attention seeker. He humiliated sl in front of the whole world by his famous speech. Sl players just pplaying cricket for money not like the old days. IPL is more important now not test cricket as demonstrated by mahela and Sanga during the Eng tour.

Lord.emsworth
on November 26, 2011, 22:04 GMT

Jayasuriya doesnt say which 'young' side test or odi. In tests SL have 8 players over 30 ( Dilshan, Sanga, L P Silva, Dilhara Fernando, Herath, Mahela, Prassana Jayawardene, Welegedera) and two at 29 (Paranavitana & Jeevan Mendis). A few players (ODI/Tests) are youngish.. Tharanga, Chandimal,Mathews,Tissera P. Malinga is 28. Anyway, I guess by Jayasuriya's age gauging standards anything up to 45 is 'Young'. I like the old mauler but he should check out 'young' in the dictionary.

dummy4fb
on November 26, 2011, 7:30 GMT

heh, look who's talking..persist with a young team? you got to be kidding me..is that why you stayed till 40, blocking the opportunity for young players like Dinesh Chandimal for nearly 3 years? get a life Jayasuriya! and you know what your commentary sucks! I'd say Ranjith Fernando is 10 times better than you, if you understand what I mean. Please stick to politics!

dummy4fb
on November 26, 2011, 4:42 GMT

Sri Lanka is going through hard times.I wish them luck.They are so down to earth.

dummy4fb
on November 26, 2011, 4:24 GMT

heh, look who is talking.. persist with a young team? you got to be kidding me.. is that why he stayed till 40 , blocking the opportunity for Dinesh Chandimal for nearly 3 years! Get a life Jayasuriya!

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 21:02 GMT

Sheesh... These guys are professionals! Even decent club cricketers get paid!! About time the ICC looks into this and does something about it! Quite sad TBH...

bumsonseats
on November 25, 2011, 20:25 GMT

captaincy in SL is pass the parcel. if you play long enough it will come back again. if you are the 2 best batters in the side it will come back a 3rd time. dpk

bumsonseats
on November 25, 2011, 20:20 GMT

is not russel arnold not the most bias comentator, the only thing i like is him and waqar younis it quite obvious they dont like each other, but im with waqar i dont like ra either. dpk

dummy4fb
on November 27, 2011, 18:01 GMT

I think this is just a tough time for Lankan lions they will bounce back soon

Ahsan_Shere
on November 27, 2011, 9:53 GMT

SJ is a legend & he reserves the right to say whatever he thinks about the situation of SL Cricket & thats what he is paid for as a commentator. But for me it is too much of a chance which has been given to Dilshan since he is given charge & to add miseries to his unfortunate fate SA are ready to prey. Srilanka had to play against world class teams after

zerotollerance
on November 27, 2011, 7:27 GMT

Sl team in disarray not because of politicians as some say but due to no care attitudes of the players hem selves. Sanga is just a attention seeker. He humiliated sl in front of the whole world by his famous speech. Sl players just pplaying cricket for money not like the old days. IPL is more important now not test cricket as demonstrated by mahela and Sanga during the Eng tour.

Lord.emsworth
on November 26, 2011, 22:04 GMT

Jayasuriya doesnt say which 'young' side test or odi. In tests SL have 8 players over 30 ( Dilshan, Sanga, L P Silva, Dilhara Fernando, Herath, Mahela, Prassana Jayawardene, Welegedera) and two at 29 (Paranavitana & Jeevan Mendis). A few players (ODI/Tests) are youngish.. Tharanga, Chandimal,Mathews,Tissera P. Malinga is 28. Anyway, I guess by Jayasuriya's age gauging standards anything up to 45 is 'Young'. I like the old mauler but he should check out 'young' in the dictionary.

dummy4fb
on November 26, 2011, 7:30 GMT

heh, look who's talking..persist with a young team? you got to be kidding me..is that why you stayed till 40, blocking the opportunity for young players like Dinesh Chandimal for nearly 3 years? get a life Jayasuriya! and you know what your commentary sucks! I'd say Ranjith Fernando is 10 times better than you, if you understand what I mean. Please stick to politics!

dummy4fb
on November 26, 2011, 4:42 GMT

Sri Lanka is going through hard times.I wish them luck.They are so down to earth.

dummy4fb
on November 26, 2011, 4:24 GMT

heh, look who is talking.. persist with a young team? you got to be kidding me.. is that why he stayed till 40 , blocking the opportunity for Dinesh Chandimal for nearly 3 years! Get a life Jayasuriya!

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 21:02 GMT

Sheesh... These guys are professionals! Even decent club cricketers get paid!! About time the ICC looks into this and does something about it! Quite sad TBH...

bumsonseats
on November 25, 2011, 20:25 GMT

captaincy in SL is pass the parcel. if you play long enough it will come back again. if you are the 2 best batters in the side it will come back a 3rd time. dpk

bumsonseats
on November 25, 2011, 20:20 GMT

is not russel arnold not the most bias comentator, the only thing i like is him and waqar younis it quite obvious they dont like each other, but im with waqar i dont like ra either. dpk

Prasiwvk
on November 25, 2011, 20:15 GMT

Continued....
Once Sanga, Mahela and Malinga retired you can't stop that happening. SL have some good young Players like Rajapakse.. not sure why they are not getting an opportunity. Not sure why still picking Chamara Silva, Dilhara etc., I can play better than them. Also Dishan is not a good Captain.. I think Sangakkara should take the captancy until next worlcup to stop vanishing cricket loving public. Good luck for Sri Lankan Cricket Future.

Prasiwvk
on November 25, 2011, 20:07 GMT

Current tour in UAE showing how bad Sri Lankan Team performing, I think mentality of the Team was Very Low after the Worldcup Final in India. After the World Cup more dramas taken place bcos of the Sri Lankan politicians.. all of them after money. Did we lose the final becos of external threats or team selection in the final? How many people resign from their respective jobs, Sangakkara, Mahala, Aravinda, early retirement of Malinga from test cricket to name few. Sri Lankan cricket should be free from politicians and their henchaiyas.. It should be an independent body. Currently SL Cricket Board running by thugs not sure what qualification they have to run such important role in SL main sport. Sangakkara 's MCC speech was excellent and that is the truth and real cricket loving public have the same view, but ICC is just nominal body more talk no action. I think once Arjuna mentioned that SL will not far from losing to Bangladesh and ZBW as result of mismanagement by the Politian's.

gmoturu1
on November 25, 2011, 20:01 GMT

sack dilshan as captain for cricket sake

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 19:36 GMT

I wonder what right SJ has got to say to persist with youth when he was the one who denied a young batsman an opportunity by holding on to a place in the team when he was sadly out of form and with aging his reflexes in good old days were not functioning. He played through the entire last world T20 without even getting into double figures. Then just for one token appearance and two runs in an ODI he somehow revisited the team in last Engalnd tour. We all respected and admired SJ in his hay days when he was clobbering international bolwing attacks to all corners of the field. It is not the opportunties for the youth is the problem with Sri Lanka crcket it is poor captaincy who has failed to lead by example coupled with obvious selection blunders that has got us into this dreadful situation.

samuda
on November 25, 2011, 14:15 GMT

the problem SL had and having right now is these guys dont have a long term view. specially in team strategies. All the other countries have a future plans but not SL. i will bring some eg: When Arjuna left he kept a space to Sanath to groom as a captain by keeping him as a VC, Same with Sanath then Mavan after that Mahela he kept sanga as a VC and gave a chance rather exposure what future captain should have. After that what happened was only destroyed the SL cricket .... When sanga became a captain he picked Mahela as VC without giving that chance to next suitable person, Hence SL cricket had to depend on few players just cz of the personal Ego of seniors.SL have plenty of young talent at domestic level but no one is giving hand and groom them. people talk about youngsters need to act matured ways and they expect youngsters to match Sanga's and Mahela's standards but if you watch back how Sanga started his international career the way he played horrible. like that everyone need time

vallavarayar
on November 25, 2011, 14:08 GMT

Jayasuriya should still be playing for Sri Lanka, if only to spare us these inane comments and his ridiculous commentary.

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 13:42 GMT

///what can a captain do...whn half of thier team dont contribute....///

What is the use of a captain who can not get the contribution from 1/2 of the team?

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 11:12 GMT

they should start doing wht they did in 1996 hopefuly they will compete with SA well SL is my fav team after Pakistan play some good cricket chaps :)

Decimus
on November 25, 2011, 10:25 GMT

Sanath Jayasuriya has no right to call for young players. Sanath should have retired early as 2008, and showed allowed young players to come in. What a joke.

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 9:40 GMT

I respect the words of Sanath Jayasuriya but with the board changing two things are very likely to happen.. (1) Sanga or Mahela will accept the leadership of the team. (2) Malinga will come out of Test cricket retirement..

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 7:57 GMT

we loose but not beacause of new players.you should keep selfish players out of squad.specialy like Angelo .he is not playing for a country (own records).we have a very good team.but with experience they will be good team in future.Dilshan do not worry everything will be ok.just play your own game

MDCP
on November 25, 2011, 7:02 GMT

Dilshan 1st needs to get his act together and perform if he intends leading the side in the future.. i think this PAK tour did have some positives for us Sri Lankans too. The much spoken about inexperianced bowling attack did very well in the odis and hope this would continue for the SA tour too. Emergence of J.Mendis as a leggie was good and thisara and dilhara did well too. The bowling would get stronger once Kulasekara is back after injury... Chandimal looks too cheaky already... Come on the batsmen need to start performing!!!

bMike
on November 25, 2011, 6:53 GMT

Though Jayasuriya's service to Sri Lanka cricket is appreciated Jayasuriya also have to take some part of responsibility regarding the current failure of SL cricket ( & also for losing the world cup 2011). He continued playing till almost 42. As a result many Sri Lankan youngsters lost their opportunities to play against strong nations. So sometimes it's difficult them to play under pressure because of their lack of experience. That might be the reason why Tharanga played under pressure at world cup finals. What could have happened to SL in 1996 WC if players like Roy Dias. Ranjan Madugalle,Athula Samarasekera, Brendon Kuruppu continued playing till 1995/1996? All of them were below 40 by 1996. Playing till 42 might have made some personal records like being the oldest player to made an ODI century etc. But it put SL cricket down & cost a world cup.

Cannuck
on November 25, 2011, 5:51 GMT

Where was this "let youngster's play" attitude when Sana was playing, even until recently as UK tour when he took a spot on the ODI match? As Pri Kand commented here, Sana IS part of the current problem, being one of the many puppet masters behind the scene, working through political avenues. Sana, Dulip & some others (like agents) who benefit having Dilshan lead, so that they can insert players they want, not necessarily suited for the re-building of a good side. This couldn't be done with straight shooters like Sanga & Mahela, who got tired of these intrutions & backed out of leading. They are the rare ones who gave up capatincy in SL cricket, while others like Dilshan will do whatever is needed to stay on. Sadly none of this would ever change without a change at the top of SLC as well as politics. So get used to loosing fans of SL, I can only think what the South Africans would do to us in December... YIKES!!!!

Cricket_Man
on November 25, 2011, 5:37 GMT

I am a Pakistani fan, but i feel bad for Sri Lankan fans and their cricket. Although their team hasn't performed up to the mark but they should be commended that they didn't speak about not being paid and still tried their best to perform. I think its ICC's job to ensure that the cricket boards are governed by competent and capable people. Otherwise, the standards of cricket will decline. Examples of poor boards leading to weak teams are West Indies, Pakistan and now Sri lanka. Hope things get better for them .

dummy4fb
on November 25, 2011, 5:15 GMT

Really, Sanath wants to give young players a chance now ..... after blocking them for a decade being just plain greedy.

ARad
on November 25, 2011, 4:10 GMT

Jayasuriya would make a good politician. He can talk WITHOUT IRONY (as StarHawk points out, he played well-past the sell-by date but now wants to keep other older players out of the team?!) and he is full of BANAL STOCK PHRASES (which is just like 99% of his TV commentary.) It is almost like a piece on The Onion. "CRICKETER CLAIMS LOSSES DISAPPOINTING. HE SAYS THAT IT IS A HARD TIME FOR OUR PLAYERS. THE EXPERIENCED PLAYERS ARE FAILING BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING THROUGH A LEAN PATCH. THE ONLY PLAYER WHO IS SCORING WELL IS THE PLAYER IN FORM." Let's not forget the Sri Lankan special: "THE PREVIOUS BOARD MADE MISTAKES AND THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MESS." This piece has made me inspired to write for Cricinfo's Second Page. I should look into the submission process.

Zahidsaltin
on November 25, 2011, 0:39 GMT

Alarm bells start ringing when there are only 2 or 3 players who score major part of the runs and all of them are reaching their retirement ages. If SL doesn't come up with some young heroes soon, future will be like WI. Although Dilshan didn't do anything wrong as a captain but even then one thing is obvious that he can't take the pressures and it all is effecting his game. SL needed Sanga to carry on as captain for couple of more years.

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 23:02 GMT

One or two new players does not mean team is inexperienced. Look at SAF and Aus current series. New comers performed magnificently and even won player of the series and several player of the awards. Team is young or in-transition, is a lame excuse. How long this will apply?

AK_25
on November 24, 2011, 22:46 GMT

what can a captain do...whn half of thier team dont contribute....

johnathonjosephs
on November 24, 2011, 18:53 GMT

Good words from Jayasuriya. After Murali retired, Malinga made a surprise retirement. With 2 HUGE seniors out of the side, SL was on the back foot and added many new youngsters in a hurry (lakmal, welegedera, chandimal, Prasanna, Prasad, Jeevan Mendis). It is not the right way to do such things. Just like NZ Pak and WI initially suffered because of the new players, also Sri Lanka will.
The ideal way to introduce such players is what India is doing to Kohli, Raina, Rahane, Rohit, etc. That way the team doesnj't suffer. At the same time, the youngsters dont' get that much international exposure except from the IPL

bddhika_harindat
on November 24, 2011, 18:52 GMT

Time is right to change the Captaincy ASAP, recently there was an article in a SL newspaper that they're trying to get Sanga back into captaincy from Jan 2012, that will be good move if they can convinced him reinstate in his position, that will be good for the country as a cricketing soprts nation. Dilshan is good as a player as everyone would accept, but doen's have skills to be a real leader, that's been proven and no point wasting time and loosing matches anymore.

How you could ask them to win matches without paying their salaries for six months.The players should be really appreciated for not speaking even a word about salaries.The board and the selecting committee should be responsible for the current poor run of the team.Now what The people who are scolding players for playing in IPL say....... No one will do a job anywhere if not they are paid........... When other countries earn profit from WC this board put the board in debt............Shame. Very Sad about the current performance of the team. Hope things get better after the electing a new board in December.

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 16:42 GMT

what else Lanka have in their bag now, how many experienced player they have on bench or playing at domestic level??? the reality is that Pak was better side in both formats so stick to this formula and players , play aggressively and soon you will be winning. Cheers

StarHawk
on November 24, 2011, 16:34 GMT

Look who's talking! The same guy who played till 41 even though he was a big liability for his team. Now, he's advocating for youth?? What a hyprocite.

lananad
on November 24, 2011, 16:20 GMT

You team is fine but you need a good captain to build a good team.Dilshan is a good player but not suitable to lead. I think Sanga or Mahela should take over at least for couple of years until Angela ready to go.

mits6
on November 24, 2011, 15:11 GMT

Jayasuriya may be right , but dilshan does n't seem to have the features of a captain . Myself as well as most of the mates commenting here observed this (even before he was made full time captain ) except SL board.

Rakim
on November 24, 2011, 15:02 GMT

I see bad times for SL cricket. I think they should change their captain immediately. Dilshan isn't captaincy material

WPDDESILVA
on November 24, 2011, 14:09 GMT

The only youngsters you have are Chandimal and Seekuge. All others have played a lot ODI's......you can't lose matches because you have two youngsters. Look at Pakistan then......they have the same number of youngsters as SL.

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 14:08 GMT

Pakistan did not have World class batsman but our Bowler are always their to make things better
India did not have World class Bowlerz but their batsman are always their to make things better
Indian senior batsman should take the responsibility, SL may rise again

bddhika_harindat
on November 24, 2011, 14:08 GMT

As it's been case since the world cup final it was only two seniors Sanga & Mahela who's been performing every time even though Mahela too is having a tough time on the middle. Lot of people praise for Matthews, but it doesn't seem that he's taking the responsibility as the vice captain right now, it is understood that he needs time to get adjusted in the new role, but as a country Sri Lanka cannot afford to loose more matches to sides whose been in lower rakings (PK). PK was below SL in both Tests and ODI, SL shouldn't have given given them an easy chance to climb on rankings as we all know PK do NOT have a strong batting line up and only few times they perfom well with the bat. So it was their bowling in most occassions they played well. SL should've played more responsible cricket in all formats over the last 8 months looking at their poor shot selection and not giving value to their wicket. The other major problem with selection is dropping Thila Samaraweera in both Tests & ODIs..

WPDDESILVA
on November 24, 2011, 13:54 GMT

I think you'll find if the board pays their wages may be they'll actually start winning. They are professional sportsmen not Volunteers are they!?

AnoopSH
on November 24, 2011, 13:29 GMT

For the record Sri Lanka has not won a single Test Match after Murali's retirement, ie, after Sangakkara's infamous press conference questioning India's number one position in Tests-Irony!

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 13:24 GMT

Well if you retired early enough another player could have been groomed well in time.Now you are talking about young players but you are also a part of the wider problem.Though you share much of our cricketing glory during your peak times your intrusion into the side through the back door towards the latter part of your career is also responsible at least partly to the current problem.We need proper administration which could stand against the political interference.We don't lack talent and commitment.As long as politicians like yourself stay away from cricket authorities ,we will be fine Mr Jayasuriya, with due respect.

anver777
on November 24, 2011, 13:14 GMT

Like Sanath said country must come first & that should be everybody's Motto..there 's no way SL players will adopt "No Pay No Play" they'r committed pros & will give their 100% for the sake of the motherland !!!!! Come on SL lions get back to rhythm & star roaring again !!!!!

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 12:55 GMT

Come on Sanath, three series we have lost. things should change now. Tilan Samareweera/ Upul Thranga should be included in team for TEST series in SA, Kapugadera / Tilan / Kule should be given chance to come back ODI in SA - You have to do something about it

Haleos
on November 24, 2011, 12:52 GMT

Dear Jayasurya. Agree with ur persist with young team thought. Just one question what were you thinking when u barged into the team in england for ODIs?

indianzen
on November 24, 2011, 12:37 GMT

persist with the loosing ? come one pay them first or dissolve the board...

No featured comments at the moment.

indianzen
on November 24, 2011, 12:37 GMT

persist with the loosing ? come one pay them first or dissolve the board...

Haleos
on November 24, 2011, 12:52 GMT

Dear Jayasurya. Agree with ur persist with young team thought. Just one question what were you thinking when u barged into the team in england for ODIs?

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 12:55 GMT

Come on Sanath, three series we have lost. things should change now. Tilan Samareweera/ Upul Thranga should be included in team for TEST series in SA, Kapugadera / Tilan / Kule should be given chance to come back ODI in SA - You have to do something about it

anver777
on November 24, 2011, 13:14 GMT

Like Sanath said country must come first & that should be everybody's Motto..there 's no way SL players will adopt "No Pay No Play" they'r committed pros & will give their 100% for the sake of the motherland !!!!! Come on SL lions get back to rhythm & star roaring again !!!!!

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 13:24 GMT

Well if you retired early enough another player could have been groomed well in time.Now you are talking about young players but you are also a part of the wider problem.Though you share much of our cricketing glory during your peak times your intrusion into the side through the back door towards the latter part of your career is also responsible at least partly to the current problem.We need proper administration which could stand against the political interference.We don't lack talent and commitment.As long as politicians like yourself stay away from cricket authorities ,we will be fine Mr Jayasuriya, with due respect.

AnoopSH
on November 24, 2011, 13:29 GMT

For the record Sri Lanka has not won a single Test Match after Murali's retirement, ie, after Sangakkara's infamous press conference questioning India's number one position in Tests-Irony!

WPDDESILVA
on November 24, 2011, 13:54 GMT

I think you'll find if the board pays their wages may be they'll actually start winning. They are professional sportsmen not Volunteers are they!?

bddhika_harindat
on November 24, 2011, 14:08 GMT

As it's been case since the world cup final it was only two seniors Sanga & Mahela who's been performing every time even though Mahela too is having a tough time on the middle. Lot of people praise for Matthews, but it doesn't seem that he's taking the responsibility as the vice captain right now, it is understood that he needs time to get adjusted in the new role, but as a country Sri Lanka cannot afford to loose more matches to sides whose been in lower rakings (PK). PK was below SL in both Tests and ODI, SL shouldn't have given given them an easy chance to climb on rankings as we all know PK do NOT have a strong batting line up and only few times they perfom well with the bat. So it was their bowling in most occassions they played well. SL should've played more responsible cricket in all formats over the last 8 months looking at their poor shot selection and not giving value to their wicket. The other major problem with selection is dropping Thila Samaraweera in both Tests & ODIs..

dummy4fb
on November 24, 2011, 14:08 GMT

Pakistan did not have World class batsman but our Bowler are always their to make things better
India did not have World class Bowlerz but their batsman are always their to make things better
Indian senior batsman should take the responsibility, SL may rise again

WPDDESILVA
on November 24, 2011, 14:09 GMT

The only youngsters you have are Chandimal and Seekuge. All others have played a lot ODI's......you can't lose matches because you have two youngsters. Look at Pakistan then......they have the same number of youngsters as SL.